The Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary was abysmal following the 2018 season, ranking 31st overall in pass defense. General Manager Brett Veach called upon safety Tyrann Mathieu for help to stop the bleeding in that area on the field. In 2019, the two sides agreed to a 3-year deal and the rest is history. Entering 2021, the Chiefs have two Super Bowl appearances, a championship, and are two-time defending AFC Conference Champions.
While Kansas City is currently led by possibly the best offensive unit of this generation, there’s no doubt that Mathieu is a major contributor within the Chiefs’ championship defense. In 2019, Kansas City finished 8th in pass defense and ranked 14th last season.
Mathieu was also named to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career last season after recording 62 tackles, nine pass deflections, and a career-high six interceptions.
The former LSU product has made himself a household name within the Chiefs franchise and is a beloved fan-favorite across the fan base. Now entering the final year on his current contract, it’s no surprise many fans have their fingers crossed that the two sides agree on something long-term.
On July 1, ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler reports the team has reached out to Mathieu to make it clear he’s their top priority going forward and they want to reach an extension to him in Kansas City.
Fowler noted on Sportscenter that the Chiefs are motivated to get something done because Mathieu’s cap hit for the 2021 season will be around $20 million, and an extension would bring that number down significantly.
Fowler also said that while the Chiefs view him as a ‘pillar’ to their defense and want to keep him on the roster, they might not want to lock him up long-term since the 8-year veteran safety will be 30 years old in 2022.
Fowler also reported that while nothing is imminent between the two sides, Mathieu is the closest to getting a new deal among other safeties who are also impending free agents next season.
Kansas City has already handed out contract extensions to several of their key players since 2019 including Frank Clark, Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and Chris Jones. As training camp looms around the corner, there’s plenty of optimism that Tyrann Mathieu will be next on the list very soon.
